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December 6, 2012

Oh Holy Night - A DIY Nativity

I have always wanted a special nativity set. My problem is, my tastes change and what I like this year, I may not like next year. There are so many different styles of nativity sets - natural, elegant, traditional, etc. I just haven't found one so far that speaks to me enough to spend the money. And, the ones at the thrift stores seem to always have a missing piece - like 2 kings instead of 3 or no baby Jesus!

This year, I decided to make my own nativity scene. I have mentioned the German glass glitter I purchased from Meyer Imports a while back. I've been using it a lot this Christmas. There really is a difference in this glitter from what you get at a craft store. Anyway, I decided I would make a simple silhouette nativity scene and make it shine with the German glass glitter. I found the silhouette images online and there are lots to choose from. I cut them from chip board so they would be sturdy and then sprayed each one with spray adhesive and covered them with the silver glass glitter.

I knew I wanted to include some kind of stable that was simple and rustic to contrast with the glittery scene. So, last Sunday, I decided to take a drive to our township yard waste recycling center. It's where you can drop off leaves, yard clippings, or even entire trees and the township makes garden compost and mulch from it for residents to use. It's a great source for branches! I hit the jackpot that day with lots of evergreens and some beautiful branches with red berries! And, way in the back, there were some birch branches that I thought would be perfect for my stable.

I wasn't really dressed appropriately to climb through the mountains of branches to get to the birch and didn't have anything with me to cut any of the branches into manageable pieces. So, I called hubby to come help me out with some pruning sheers. What he doesn't do for me!

I really wasn't sure how I would make the branches into a stable, but just started cutting and placing the pieces until I was happy with it. I used tiny nails to attach the main branches and then wrapped jute twine around those joints for extra support. Then I used my glue gun to attach some twiggy pieces to make it look more rustic.

I added some of the evergreens to my mantel, and then placed the stable in front of a framed chalkboard that used to be a vintage mirror (but that's another story!). Then I placed some of the extra birch branches randomly in front to act as stands for my glittered silhouette nativity characters. I just hot glued each piece to the branches where I wanted them. I've moved the pieces several times now and they seem pretty secure and sturdy.

So, that's my DIY Nativity for 2012. I may not like it next year, but that's okay - it was mostly an investment in time and I had so much fun putting it together!

I would love to hear if you have a special nativity that you put out each year!

Absolutely gorgeous! The whole vignette is just so beautiful and really sets a lovely tone for the whole room. This is my first visit to your blog and I love it! Is there any way to follow your blog by email?

I, too, am visiting from French Country Cottage. Love your style! Great idea for the nativity! I bought some of that German glass glitter, too! I made some antique book page wreath(s) and glittered a monogram-ish looking letter for the middle (it hangs)...so it can be changed out during the year. Also glittered some dollar store filigree stars and snowflakes...they look super with the chunkier glitter. Thanks for the inspiration!

I am in LOVE with your nativity scene! I've heard about this glitter, and you have convinced me to get some and try it!!! I also love your rustic stable against the chalkboard. Classic, elegant, simple...and so lovely! New fan and follower!

It's really pretty. I like the silhouettes that you found and how you incorporated the branches into the scene. I had a nativity scene that I loved. But, one year a large picture fell from above the mantle and broke many of the pieces. I've never found another one I liked as well that wasn't astronomically priced. I just may have to DIY a cool glitter one like yours. :) Thanks for the DIY instructions!

When I saw your nativity set and mantel with gorgeous banner I had to click on to see how and where you got your nativity silhouettes. Did you tell previous askers where you got them? And where can I buy that glass glitter? Your whole scape is so beautiful, the branches make it seem much more "real". Good for you figuring how to make the shelter. Love this and would love to make one for our daughter/family's home and us. We don't have a mantel but have a nice sized shutter shelf in l/r I style and change things on as often as the seasons and my moods. Also have some shelves in niche of living room, used to have awful full length little cupboards, ugh. Hubs took them out and put shelves in l/r niche. Had ugly cupboard between l/r and kitchen. We have a single wide (16x80) so make best of what we have to decorate. Our l/r goes right into and thru kitchen into mud room/back door/laundry. Have one long wall in common thru l/r, kitchen and mudroom. Presents challenges but that's life, gives me something to do. How did you get the silhouettes to stand up? Did you make little stands on back? Your nativity looks so gorgeous with glitter. One of a kind. And the banner is great, going to try to make similar one to hang from our shutter shelf. You are such an inspiration. Pinning

If you reply please do so to my email address. Thank you Happy weekend

My friend and I are making your nativity set! A friend did the cut-outs and we're getting ready to glitter. Questions. Did you use white or silver glitter? I think you said silver, but in the photos it looks white. Was your glitter fine, extra fine, medium or course? How much approximately did you use? Thanks for your help!!!